Explore Melaka: 9 Fabulous Food Stops Not to Be Missed!

At the mere mention of Melaka, history and good food always come to mind. This UNESCO world heritage site is most famous for Peranakan cuisine, value-for-money street food, chicken rice balls, etc. Temptations aplenty!

After succumbing to gluttony (once too often), here’s a list of 9 fabulous food stops not to be missed!

1. Breakfast at 56, Tofu Street!

Address: 56, Jalan Hang Kasturi (Jalan Tukang Besi), 75200, Melaka, Malaysia

This is an unassuming stall that sells local breakfast and Peranakan snacks. Yes, it is located on a street named Tofu but there’s nothing shaky about it. No prominent signboard though.

Fronted by a small table with the various food items, the friendly owner told us that she belonged to the 2^nd generation for this stall and she has been in business for 60 odd years. We might have missed the famous yam cake (not available during Chinese New Year period) but the Nasi Lemak and Peranakan kuihs were (out-of-this-world) AWESOME. The shop has a dining area, which happens to be the living room of the family!

2. Taste Better Durian Puff

Website: http://www.taste-better.com/

Apparently, this is one snack that you must try to eat in one bite, in order to experience the taste better. Previously featured in a Taiwanese travel show, this popular one bite / one mouthful durian puff can be addictive! The fragrant and sweet durian cream promises to explode and delight your taste buds!

3. Nancy’s Kitchen

Address: 7, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

I hate queuing. Period. BUT the 15-minutes queue at Nancy’s Kitchen is worth it and I would do it all over again. Featuring delectable Peranakan cuisine and dessert, the food were prepared and cooked to perfection. Even the food presentation would score full points! One word – perfect.

PS: We ordered 8 dishes. The Must-Try includes the Ayam Pongteh, Otah, Popiah (Spring Roll), Cendol, Chinchalok Omelette, etc.

PPS: NOT Halal.

4. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball

Address: 468, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75300, Melaka

Chicken rice balls are one of the main highlights of Melaka and there are several eateries that offer this unique dish. We ended up at Hoe Kee’s by chance and the queue was not that long (about 10 minutes). I was surprised when the food arrived, as there were plates of rice in addition to the rice balls! Trust me when I say this is a FILLING meal! Nevertheless, this allowed good comparison and I vote my preference for the rice balls over usual rice on plate. The former is more flavorful (and oily of course:P). The chicken meat was a tad too salty for my liking but the texture was awesomely Q!

5. Ondeh Ondeh

This is a Peranakan dessert/snack made of sweet potato and glutinous rice flour with palm sugar (Gula Melaka) filling and covered with fresh coconut shavings. There’s a stall within Jonker Walk (near to the restaurant that sells Satay Celup) that serves fresh Ondeh Ondeh. They make it on the spot! However, we forgot to take down the address in our greedy excitement to eat.

6. Lao Qian Café @ San Shu Gong

Address: 33, Jalan Hang Jebat(Jonker Street), 75200 Melaka

Nestled within San Shu Gong, the Lao Qian Café is famous for their durian cendol. The traditional dessert is given a new identity with a generous topping of durian – the king of fruits, which demands an acquired taste. You either love it, or hate it. We loved it!

7. 3D Durian Ice @ EHA

Address: 57, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Also featured on a Taiwanese TV Program, the 3D Durian Ice provides a quick respite from the sweltering heat. Durian lovers will love this icy dessert that is topped with durian meat. Besides the 3D Durian Ice, do check out the interesting fruit juice menu.

8. An Assortment of Food at Jonker 88

Address: No. 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka

Famous for their Ah Ma Fish Cake, laksa and cendol, Jonker 88 boosts a variety of dishes that are best for sharing. We stumbled upon the shop by chance and decided to try the fish cake soup, which was pretty decent. At night, the stall sells drinks, stinky tofu and fried squid for supper.

9. Funny Egg Yummy Ice Cream

Located directly across the street from Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball, the funny egg yummy ice cream is adorable and great for quenching thirst on a hot day! Try out the sour plum flavour after a hearty meal to aid digestion and stay hydrated!

Take a Break From Bingeing!

Besides going on a food binge in this historic city, there are plenty to explore! Check out Lovely Melaka for more things to do or consider visiting a house museum! ^^ Happy exploring!

 
The above information has been compiled based on various sources, including the author’s personal experience and should only be used as a reference. For more information on the destination, do check out http://www.tourism.gov.my/